Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Acting City Health Officer, Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes encouraged residents and visitors to wear face masks for protection against respiratory and influenza-like illnesses as the cold season begins in the city.
The City Health Services Office (CHSO) said severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI) cases have increased and this may persist because of the cold weather normally experienced in the city during the “ber” months until February.
“With the cold season upon us, we expect this uptrend in cases but we can do something to protect ourselves by observing preventive measures like the wearing of face masks especially when in crowded places,” Magalong said.
The CHSO said that ILI and SARI ailments are indeed preventable by following basic health protocols like proper wearing of face masks and frequent handwashing.
“Let us also keep warm by wearing protective clothes and build our resistance by eating healthy, exercising and hydrating,” the city officials said.
The City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the CHSO said ILI is characterized by symptoms such as fever and cough or sore throat that may be caused by the flu virus, respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus disease among a few.
SARI’s manifestations are fever, cough, and difficulty of breathing. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
